ACM ANODIC ALUMINUM CLEAR FINISH

Archive of Older Topics Archive - Product Discussions #6
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An architect on one of my projects has requested the Laminators, Inc. “Omega-Lite” as his Basis-of-Design. The project requires a competitive spec so I suspect I would have to list along with mfrs of solid-core ACM. I do not know of others who make a “polyallomer” corrugated core ACM (polyallomer meaning they are not saying exactly what kind of plastic it is, and the main point being that it is corrugated). Before undertaking those edits and looking further to see if others make a core similar to this (none found so far) I’m going to ask for confirmation of the product since the project’s waterproofing consultant has recommended a rainscreen installation, and I do not see that option for these panels.

I also wonder if there would be telegraphing of the corrugated core through the face sheets. Perhaps it depends on which of their face sheet thickness options is chosen, something they do not say in their example projects, some of which are recognizable e.g. a Best Buy in Colorado, and they show new Wendy’s and Sports Authority projects using this product. http://www.laminatorsinc.com/architectural-systems/project-portfolio?page=2&f[0]=field_architect_products_used%3A188. But I would have to see one of their thinnest face-sheet installations up close to be sure

I hope it doesn’t go anodized for reasons Jerome & others have discussed, which the mfr is up front about in their literature EXCEPT no mention that I can find of only Class II. If it goes Kynar I won’t be surprised if they only offer 50% PVDF. Also they have a contradictory set of notes on their color guide about PVDF finishes: “We can also create or match custom colors to your specifications, making it easy to maintain consistency in corporate identity projects” BUT in small print it says “Metallic Paint: Color variation is a characteristic of aluminum composite panels with metallic paint finishes. Laminators DOES NOT warrant a color match for these panels.”

We’re not matching existing but it may help to specify to use all the same production run.

Anything else I should know about, if my friends here have now had experience with this novelty product?

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I’ve had success with Hunter Douglas Facades honeycomb panels - http://www.hunterdouglascontract.com/facades/metal_facade.jsp
but I don’t think we’re talking equivalent products. The HD panels are very solid and their finishing process is extraordinary.

Speaking of finishes on aluminum has anyone used Pure Free Form yet? http://purefreeform.com/
Talk about some high-end finishes on metal. Website doesn’t really say what types of panels are available. They just talk about their finishes.

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I had one client who had great experience with Laminators and used their systems extensively in public schools and other projects. It was their office standard for composite metal panel applications. I added requirements to my office master, and listed ATAS “Sterra Core Panels” as comparable. I have not verified recently that ATAS still offers that system.

My client liked Omega-Lite’s simple attachment system and was quite satisfied w/ appearance characteristics and performance.

Chris, I emailed you my office master in case you would like to use provisions describing the corrugated-core panel systems.

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Thanks guys, you [and others as always on this board] are such a great help!

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Sorry for the delayed response to this. I stumbled upon this discussion today while searching for something else. Yes, ATAS still offers the SterraCore panels and they are comparable to Laminator’s Omega-Lite panels.
http://www.atas.com/products/walls/metal-composite-material/sterracore - link to learn more about the product. ATAS will have a display at both the SCIP meeting on 9/6 and at CONSTRUCT, so please stop by to say hello!